NYT - The New Survivalism - Includes Advice From Former Morgan Stanley Chief Global Strategist

[hatrack]

THE traditional face of survivalism is that of a shaggy loner in camouflage, holed up in a cabin in the wilderness and surrounded by cases of canned goods and ammunition. It is not that of Barton M. Biggs, the former chief global strategist at Morgan Stanley. Yet in Mr. Biggs’s new book, “Wealth, War and Wisdom,” he says people should “assume the possibility of a breakdown of the civilized infrastructure.”

“Your safe haven must be self-sufficient and capable of growing some kind of food,” Mr. Biggs writes. “It should be well-stocked with seed, fertilizer, canned food, wine, medicine, clothes, etc. Think Swiss Family Robinson. Even in America and Europe there could be moments of riot and rebellion when law and order temporarily completely breaks down.” Survivalism, it seems, is not just for survivalists anymore.

Faced with a confluence of diverse threats — a tanking economy, a housing crisis, looming environmental disasters, and a sharp spike in oil prices — people who do not consider themselves extremists are starting to discuss doomsday measures once associated with the social fringes. They stockpile or grow food in case of a supply breakdown, or buy precious metals in case of economic collapse. Some try to take their houses off the electricity grid, or plan safe houses far away. The point is not to drop out of society, but to be prepared in case the future turns out like something out of “An Inconvenient Truth,” if not “Mad Max.”

“I’m not a gun-nut, camo-wearing skinhead. I don’t even hunt or fish,” said Bill Marcom, 53, a construction executive in Dallas. Still, motivated by a belief that the credit crunch and a bursting housing bubble might spark widespread economic chaos — “the Greater Depression,” as he put it — Mr. Marcom began to take measures to prepare for the unknown over the last few years: buying old silver coins to use as currency; buying G.P.S. units, a satellite telephone and a hydroponic kit; and building a simple cabin in a remote West Texas desert.

EDIT

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/06/fashion/06survival.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

[htuttle]

1. All those people who are planning on hiding in their little 'safe havens' when the shit hits the fan

...Are REALLY going to be fucked when Lord Humongous and his gang of motorcycle riding vandals comes by to steal their gas.



Personally, I'm putting my money (of which I have little) and my life (of which I hope to have some time left in) on cooperating with my neighbors to get through the rough spots.

[XemaSab]

2. I'm going to be sitting on MY pile of canned green beans when it all goes down

:patriot:

[FreepFryer]

3. As a resident of a major U.S. city, I have a go-bag and 30 days' water and food stored. (n/t)

[The2ndWheel]

4. Light and mobile

Stock up on charm.

[phantom power]

6. I once advised: "prepare to be a nomad."

I stand by that.

[MadAndy]

5. The new survivalism sounds alot like the old.